JOHN PETE KELLY

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JOHN PETE KELLY, BA, B.Ed., M.Ed. We sadly announce the passing of John Pete Kelly, on June 6, 2005. John with the traditional name Pagoneanakwat Saagatebines was born January 10, 1939, to Alice Big George and Norman Kelly, and was lovingly known to them as Shiniidiyo . John was a member of the Ojibways of Onegaming First Nation and a member of the Lynx clan. John is survived by his wife Barbara; and his children, Rhonda, Brent, Byron, Micheal, and Dawn Kelly, Kristy Assin; and grandchildren, Stephan Bear, Vanessa Morrisseau, Matthew Kelly, Tori Kelly, Micheal Batur, and Leah Batur. He also leaves his two brothers, Tobasonakwut (Peter) Kinew and Fred Kelly, whom he loved so dearly and looked to for strength during his last years, and his adopted brothers, Lorne Keeper and Winston Wuttunee, who shared with John their friendship and comfort. John also leaves his sister Nancy, numerous nephews and nieces and the many friends and family members that he was so proud to have had in his life. John will be joining his youngest daughter, Leah, whom he lost five years ago; his brothers, Edwin and Birdie; his parents; and the many friends and family members that left before him. John loved the guitar and music. And, he will best be remembered for his lifelong fight for a better quality of life for his own people. John lived his life for making a better life for his own children and the Anishinaabeg of Treaty No. 3. John was the first Treaty No. 3 member to graduate from university - a Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University, Bachelor of Education from University of Saskatchewan, and a Masters of Education from University of Manitoba. He was both a warrior and pioneer who brought control of education to his home community, Ojibways of Onegaming First Nation, paving the way for this change across Canada. A former Grand Chief of the Treaty No. 3 nation, a leader and a fighter, John may be gone but will not be forgotten. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 9 at Onegaming School on the Ojibways of Onegaming First Nation, starting at 11:00 a.m. Services will be officiated by Elder Steve Kejick. Pallbearers include: Brent Kelly, Byron Kelly, Micheal Kelly, Don Kelly, David Kelly, and Wabanakwut Kinew (honorary pallbearer Jim Compton). In memory of John, an education bursary will be set up by his family for Treaty No. 3 post-secondary students. You may contact Rhonda Kelly at (204) 253-1984 on how you may contribute. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2005